Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Saturday, October 26, 1940
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 542
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: October 26, 1940
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Officer Vandenberg was struck and killed by a drunk driver as he and three other officers investigated a suspicious vehicle at Conner Street and E. McNichols Road. As the officers were returning to their patrol car the drunk driver struck Officer Vandenberg and narrowly missed another officer. One of the other officers was able to stop the suspect a short distance away and arrested him.
Officer Vandenberg had served with the Detroit Police Department for 15 years and was survived by his wife.